The Epilepsy Research Centre is an active participant in the ongoing development of new treatments for epilepsy. The clinical trials section conducts properly supervised clinical trials of new medications and medical devices to treat epilepsy.

What type of trials do we run?

We are participating in multiple Phase III/IV clinical research trials sponsored by major pharmaceutical companies to evaluate the effectiveness of medications for the treatment of epilepsy. We also conduct internal studies on important questions raised by our own research and provide access to medications not normally available in Australia.

The Ketogenic Diet is a known treatment for children with refractory epilepsy. We are investigating the efficacy, tolerability and side effects of the Ketogenic Diet.

Who is eligible?

We are currently enrolling patients diagnosed with partial and generalized epilepsy into our clinical research trials. The design of clinical trials requires strict criteria to be met before people can be enrolled in clinical trials to ensure that the trials are safe, ethical and able to provide meaningful data about new treatments. All trials are approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of Austin Health and follow strict guidelines set out by the National Health and Medical Research Council.

Who coordinates the trials?

The Epilepsy Research Centre is staffed with healthcare professionals experienced in clinical trials and has successfully completed many trials in the past.
Paul Lightfoot RN. B.AppSci. is the Clinical Trial Co-ordinator and contact for all enquiries regarding clinical trials.

How are patients selected?

If you, or someone you know, may be interested in participating in one of these trials please contact Paul Lighfoot of the Clinical Trials section of the Epilepsy Research Centre on (03) 9496-2725.